September 1,2009 Preparing the way for the Watershed 246 Stormwater Project

The Harris Creek Watershed 246 Stormwater Project involves 20 Neighborhoods that go from Clifton Park to the Harris Creek Outflow on Boston St. in Canton. In most of the Watershed medium income is down and unemployment up. Attempting to educate these Neighborhoods about Trash and Stormwater plans may be difficult unless there is also an attempt to understand the conditions under which the people residing in these Neighborhoods exist. How does one go about creating a positive force that will work to improve the Quality of Living in these Neighborhoods? How can Transformation take place?

I would propose that we look seriously at the recently held Conference entitled "Humane Metropolis Baltimore". It was sponsored by the Parks and People Foundation and touched on subjects germaine to answering the question of this Transformation. The relationship that we have to one another can be enhanced by activities that bring us out of our selves and encourage engagement and participation addressing common goals. Humanity blossoms in this environment. How can this be achieved and is this pipe dream possible?

the Formula for achieving this can be summarized this way,

(1)- Support the many "greening" projects throughout these Neighborhoods. I have been impressed by all the meaningful people involved in such activities.Their struggles to maitain this effort,especially in the present Economy,has not gone unnoticed. A listing of these activities is being put together. Connecting these "green"activities is a way of providing security and safety in these Neighborhoods. In many ways,it resembles the "green necklace" envisioned by the Olmsteads around the turn of the Century.

(2)- Create "Gathering Spaces" that bring people out and communicate more....the more,the better....Master Gardeners mixing with the Food experts and the Chefs....local experts among the opinion gatherers.

(3)- Find ways to engage as many people as possible....in some form of activity. Patterson Park and the Friends of Patterson Park is a prime example of what can be done optimally with a large Community coming together to make it better for everyone to enjoy.

(4)- Now with the above three as a start,begin to Grow exponentially in numbers of green gathering spaces and expansion for newer ways to involve even more of the populace....the elders....the disable......more programs for children....more school involvement(chess garden)


Inherited Poverty brings with it the baggage of Toxicity that has a negative influence on these Neighborhoods,but the Humanity that is promoted with an Emphasis on green gathering spaces that engage the members of the Community helps to offset this and gathers momentum as it pervades throughout the Community.


As the saying goes,

The Goal of these "green spaces" is to bring People Together to Rub Shoulders,Have Fun,and with Luck......even Get To Know Each Other.

When we work to make Life a Better Place for All of Us,we will have Prepared Well the Community for introducing the Harris Creek Watershed 246 Stormwater Plan.

Respectfully,Raymond D.Bahr MD BHWA